Creamy Velveeta Cheese Sauce for Broccoli and Cauliflower
Elevate your vegetable dishes to a whole new level with this indulgently rich and creamy Velveeta cheese sauce! Perfectly complemented by tender broccoli and cauliflower, this sauce transforms bland veggies into a delectable feast. Whether you're hosting a family dinner or just looking to jazz up a weeknight meal, this cheese sauce is the ultimate comforting addition. Spice it up with a dash of Tabasco or cayenne pepper for extra kick! This recipe yields a generous amount, making it ideal for sharing, but feel free to halve the ingredients for a smaller batch. Enjoy its versatility as a topping for nachos, baked potatoes, or even as a delightful dip!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter or Margarine
2 tablespoons (Melted)
Flour
2 tablespoons (All-purpose)
Half-and-Half Cream or 18% Table Cream
2 cups (Liquid)
Velveeta Cheese
3 cups (Cubed, approximately 1 inch)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (To taste)
Black Pepper
To taste (Optional)
Sugar
1 teaspoon (Regular granulated)
Paprika
For topping (Sprinkled)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter (or margarine), then remove it from the heat.
2
Add the flour to the melted butter and whisk until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
3
Gradually return the saucepan to medium heat, carefully whisking in the half-and-half cream until fully incorporated.
4
Bring the mixture to a light boil while continuously whisking, ensuring it thickens and remains smooth.
5
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and add in the cubed Velveeta cheese, stirring with a wooden spoon until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
6
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the sugar, salt, and black pepper until everything is well combined.
7
Serve the cheese sauce over freshly steamed broccoli and cauliflower just before serving.
8
For the finishing touch, sprinkle paprika over the cheese sauce for added color and flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary use for this Velveeta cheese sauce?
This sauce is designed to elevate vegetable dishes, specifically tender steamed broccoli and cauliflower.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, the recipe allows for either 2 tablespoons of butter or margarine.
What type of cream is best for this recipe?
You can use either 2 cups of half-and-half cream or 18% table cream.
How much Velveeta cheese is required?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of Velveeta cheese.
How should I prepare the Velveeta cheese before adding it to the sauce?
The Velveeta should be cubed into approximately 1-inch pieces to ensure even melting.
How do I prevent lumps in the cheese sauce?
To prevent lumps, whisk the flour into the melted butter until smooth before gradually adding the cream.
Do I need to boil the sauce mixture?
Yes, bring the mixture to a light boil while continuously whisking to ensure it thickens properly.
What heat setting should I use to melt the cheese?
Once the liquid mixture has reached a light boil, reduce the heat to low before adding the cubed Velveeta.
What tool should I use to stir the melting cheese?
A wooden spoon is recommended for stirring the cheese until it is fully melted and creamy.
Are there any seasonings added at the end?
Yes, after removing from heat, stir in 1 teaspoon of sugar, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and black pepper.
Is the black pepper mandatory?
No, black pepper is optional and should be added to taste.
What is the purpose of adding sugar to a cheese sauce?
The sugar helps balance the flavors of the rich cheese and cream.
How can I make the cheese sauce spicy?
You can spice it up by adding a dash of Tabasco or cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
What is the final garnish for this dish?
Sprinkle paprika over the cheese sauce just before serving for added color and flavor.
Can I use this sauce for other foods?
Absolutely; it is versatile enough to be used as a topping for nachos, baked potatoes, or as a dip.
Is it possible to make a smaller batch of this sauce?
Yes, you can easily halve the ingredients if you need a smaller amount.
When should the sauce be added to the vegetables?
Serve the cheese sauce over freshly steamed broccoli and cauliflower immediately before serving.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 ingredients total: butter, flour, cream, Velveeta, salt, pepper, sugar, and paprika.
What kind of flour is used?
The recipe specifies using all-purpose flour.
Should I keep the pan on the heat while adding the flour?
No, remove the saucepan from the heat after melting the butter before whisking in the flour.
Does the recipe include nutritional information?
The provided data does not list specific values for calories, fat, or carbohydrates.
Is this a quick recipe to prepare?
Yes, it involves simple steps like melting, whisking, and stirring, making it an easy addition to a weeknight meal.
What category does this recipe fall into?
It is categorized as a cheese sauce, vegetable sauce, and comfort food.
Can I use this as a party dip?
Yes, the description notes it functions as a delightful dip.
What size saucepan is recommended?
A medium-sized saucepan is ideal for this volume of ingredients.
How do I ensure the cream incorporates well?
Carefully whisk the half-and-half into the butter-flour mixture gradually while returning the pan to medium heat.
What texture should the sauce have?
The sauce should be thick, smooth, and indulgently rich.
Is the paprika cooked into the sauce?
No, the paprika is sprinkled on top as a finishing touch.
Does the recipe specify a serving size?
The specific serving size is not provided, though it is described as a generous amount.
Is there a specific type of Velveeta to use?
The recipe simply calls for standard Velveeta cheese, which provides the signature creamy texture.